Earlier text: Prompt ObedienceThe following prediction is found in the History of the Reformation, vol. ii, pp. 189, 190. It was doubtless made upon the strength of Bible testimony, the writer himself possessing a good degree of that Spirit which anciently spoke through the prophets. The prediction is being accomplished in the closing messages of the gospel. But we give the extract: "The [Roman] church, apparently full of vigor, supported by treasures, governments, and armies, but in reality exhausted and feeble, having no love for God, no Christian life, no enthusiasm for the truth, found itself face to face with men who were simple but courageous, and who, knowing that God is with those who contend in behalf of his word, had no doubt of victory. In every age it has been seen how great is the strength of an idea to penetrate the masses, to stir up nations, and to hurry them, if required, by thousands to the battle-field and to death. But if so great be the strength of a human idea, what power must not a Heaven-descended idea possess, when God opens to it the gates of the heart. The world has not often seen so much power at work; it was seen, however, in the early days of Christianity, and in the time of the Reformation; and it will be seen in future ages." The writer refers us to two great epochs of the Christian age, its commencement, and the beginning of the Reformation—and the third, though the writer did not probably see it so clearly as we now do, can refer to no other work than that which, in God's providence, is destined to consummate the Reformation and close the proclamation of the gospel. In other words, nothing can fulfill the prediction but the angel messages of Rev. xiv, 6–12, especially the third and last, which bears unmistakable evidence of being expressly designed to close both the Reformation and the Christian age; bringing the Reformation to a final test, calling upon all to choose between obedience to the authority of the beast, or the great Roman apostasy, whose corruptions and departures from the truth made the Reformation necessary, and obedience to the word of God, especially to those portions of the commandments and the faith which have been changed and trodden197under foot by the Roman church, and preparing the remnant of the Church for the advent of Him who is seen, as the next event, seated upon the “great white cloud.” As it was in the primitive days of Christianity and of the Reformation, so it is now; the popular church has “no enthusiasm for the truth,” while “those who contend in behalf of God’s word,” have “no doubt of victory.” It is not a human, but a “Heaven-descended idea” that is leading them, pointed out by the spirit of prophecy 1800 years ago; and the full assurance that God is always with those who venture out upon and defend his word, gives them a courage to which others are strangers. EVERY day we come a little nearer to that long-wished-for hour, the loud voice of the Third Angel's Message. Time may sometimes seem to hang heavily on our hands, its wheels may roll too slow for our impulsive natures, but in due time the mighty manifestation will come. Yes, the whole earth will yet be lightened with the glorious effulgence of God's saving truth. Says the apostle, "Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and have the faith of Jesus," and here also is the PATIENCE of the saints. A great work now devolves upon the remnant, and how are we "straitened" till it is accomplished. But a little from this and Zion will "arise and shine," for the coming glory of the Lord will rest upon her. Yes, weary, waiting, suffering pilgrim, Jesus will come. Not long shall the faithful dwell in these low boggy grounds of sin; and once delivered, we shall have rest in the paradise of God. As the poet exclaims, "Oh that beautiful home!" And the loud cry will come. Pentecost, "the former rain," will be as far exceeded by the "latter rain," the great "refreshing from the presence of the Lord," as the shouts and triumphs of a 144,000 will exceed those of a "hundred and twenty." Our trials will at last end, and Heaven's bright morning rays will beam out on the pathway of the righteous. O ye pilgrims to Mount Zion, take courage and look up, for the great reviving is nearing; then will the battle-marked armor of the Christian warrior be laid by, and the plaintive notes of the mourning saints be exchanged for the song of Moses and the Lamb. Who would not be a Christian then? What an inviting prospect awaits the patient overcomer,—"He shall inherit all things." Our compassionate High Priest is now for a little season in the Holy of Holies, but soon his ministration will be finished, the saints of God will be sealed, and Jesus will come forth "to bless the people." Who will be in a watching position to discern the tinkling of the bells on his garment? Not those who are immersed in the cares of this life, surely. May it be ours to have our lamps trimmed, and our loins girt about. "Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound!" Yes, Heaven's latter rain, in "showers of rain to every one grass in the field," (Zech. x, 1,) will soon ripen the great harvest of saints, and the "covenant of peace" will be formed with those who go to be guests at the marriage table of the Lamb. "Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord; his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth." Hos. vi, 3. Lord, speed the glad day! Report from Bro. Ingraham.
By Wm. S. Ingraham
Bro. White: Just after I started on my Iowa tour, I learned that my brethren had raised money to send me to the "Water Cure" Institution at Lyons, Iowa. They felt somewhat opposed to my entering upon my field of labor in my weak condition. But with the promise that I would return if my health did not improve, they consented to let me come. To the praise of God I can say that my health has somewhat improved, and I have had strength to meet all of my appointments up to this time except Eddyville, which was not reached in consequence of the stage not connecting with the cars. My first appointment was at Knoxville. The church in this place had been passing through trials, and were not prepared to take that active interest in the cause of truth, that ought to be manifested by the professed followers of Jesus. I spoke to them with some freedom, and they were encouraged by my coming. I left here for Sandyville. Bro. Benn Auten with his team accompanied me to this place. The going was very bad; the White Breast river, which we had to ford, was so high that it covered our wagon box completely, and run over the seats; but having a stout team, and a good driver, we had no trouble in crossing. Our meeting at Sandyville was encouraging. The brethren showed a disposition to hear and work. Sunday morning I met with the people in the Morrison neighborhood, where I remained a number of days, preaching in the time ten discourses. The interest increased to the close of the meeting. If I could have stayed a few days longer, I think a number would have decided to obey God and keep his commandments. My next meeting was at Eddyville, which I missed, the stage being behind time, and when I reached Pella, the cars had been gone about fifteen minutes. Thursday, 26th of October, I met with the brethren at Fairfield. Had a prayer-meeting at three o'clock, and preaching at the court-house in the evening. The weather was rainy, the going muddy, and some of our brethren, living across a large creek, which had swollen so high that they could not cross, our congregation was small, but we had a good time, and felt like journeying on to our heavenly home. Sabbath, 28th, commenced meetings at Mount Pleasant, in Bro. Fairfield's neighborhood. Stayed three days, and preached five times. The Lord was present to aid in proclaiming his precious truth. It was a season of rejoicing, and we felt that our hearts were knit together in love. This church has established an honest character in the place, and there is an interest to hear the truth among the people. Four were baptized on Sunday, and one on Monday. From this place we started for Washington, with Bro. Robert Kilgore. We had many sloughs to go through on our journey; one of them was so bad that our horses broke both whiffletrees and the tongue of the wagon, and left us in the mud. But we soon repaired and were on our way. Our meeting in Washington was in a very rainy time, and not many out the first night. The second evening, in consequence of some misunderstanding about the court-house, it was claimed by the brass band, and we held our meeting at a private house. We should have had a good attendance the last evening, if it had not been for the trouble about the place of meeting. Last Sabbath and first-day I spent at Pilot's Grove. This meeting was the best I have had in the State. Brethren present from Mount Pleasant, Washington, and Palestine. Here I had good freedom in preaching the word. I find this church to be in harmony with the body. There is a disposition to hear among the people. Monday morning I started for Palestine. From Pilot's Grove to Palestine, by way of the bridge, it is about forty miles, and only seventeen to go by the way of the old ferry. We took the shortest route, and when we got to the river we found the skiff on the opposite side, and the owner gone. We had to wait on the bank of the river until night, or find some way to cross. Finding a tree that had blown down and broken into three pieces, the longest log was right for a raft; the other short ones we tied together with a grape vine, and threw poles across, and soon Bro. McReynolds was in full sail across the Iowa river; but the current was so rapid, and the stream so wide, he drifted down the river about a quarter of a mile before he landed; but soon he was back with the skiff, and we are now holding meetings in Palestine, all safe. Palestine, Iowa, Nov. 9, 1865. THE following “clip” on the Health Question, is an editorial in the last issue of the Phrenological Journal. Perhaps there is more to this “sun-cure” theory, than many have imagined. If the sun is good for plants, why is it not also good for humans? G. By the use of this term we do not mean merely sun-light, but the direct rays or shine of the sun. Mankind are dying for the want of it. We build our houses, to be sure, with a world of windows, but they are chiefly put in to make a handsome display outside. We are careful to curtain them inside and blind them outside so as to shut out the precious rays of the sun. It is a good argument in favor of curtains and blinds, that if the light be let in too strongly it will fade the carpet. So far as carpets are concerned this is true, as they are generally made, but can we have no colors in carpets which the light will not seriously affect? If carpets fade by letting the light in, there is another thing that fades by keeping the light out, viz., the human being. On the shady side of the street, the hospital and prison, cholera, scrofula, billious complaints, and nervous diseases are more frequent and fatal than on the sunny side. We advise everybody to live on the sunny side of their houses. The room in which the family spends most of its time should be on the side where the sun can find its way into it. Let the parlor, if it be seldom used, he on the shady side. We observe that there is not a cottager so ignorant that will not set her plants, if she have taste enough to grow them, in the east window in the morning, and at noon carry them to a south window, and in the afternoon put them in a west window. But perhaps she is careful to keep her children in the shade, and her precious self, so far as possible, out of the rays of the sun. The plants in obedience to natural law are kept healthy, while the children and mother being kept in the shade, suffer in consequence. Light is beginning to be considered a great curative agent, and we apprehend that the time is not far distant when there will be sun-baths. Corridors with glass roofs will be so adjusted that persons can properly remove their clothing and take a bath in the sun for an hour or two, much to the improvement of their health. The chief advantage of going to the country is to get into the sunshine, and to be in the pure breezes. If we desired merely to keep cool, we should stay in the shady198city. People talk of "hot walls" and "burning pavements;" it is much hotter in the country, for the breeze that plays there in mid-day brings only heated air in from out-doors. But in the city the breeze brings air in from the shady side of the street, and the lower rooms of a city house are consequently much cooler in mid-day than the exposed houses of the country. Our soldiers, who were able to bear the labor and fatigue of war, are invigorated by the out-door life they lived. We know a young man in New York who came back from the war and resumed his former occupation of book-keeping, and lost thirty pounds' weight in six weeks. It would do him good to be a farmer. Parents can do nothing better for their puny sick boys than to put them on a farm for three or four summers and let the sun bathe them the livelong-day. They will, by such a life, grow rapidly, and become tough, brawny, and broad. We have seen this tried to the highest advantage in more than one instance under our advice. Our attention has recently been called to this subject by a series of articles in the New Jerusalem Messenger, by Dr. John Ellis. We commend the subject to other physicians, to preachers, teachers, and parents. Be not afraid of sunshine. Has the Moral Law Been Abolished?
THERE are many who hold that all law existing in the former dispensation has been abolished and superseded by the gospel. They go to the writings of the apostle Paul for something to justify their bold and blasphemous position, of whose writings Peter has affirmed that some wrest them, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. Paul himself was aware, it seems, that the same class who say in their hearts, "There is no God," Ps. xiv, would try to prove from his teachings, concerning justification through faith, that, under the gospel there is no law. Therefore he raises the question in order to give it a decided answer, and put the matter forever at rest, with all that will acknowledge his word as authority. Said he, "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid. Yea, we establish the law." Rom. iii, 31. The Greek word which is here rendered "make void" is the same which is rendered "abolish" in 2 Cor. iii, that passage which is resorted to to prove that that which was written and engraved on stones was abolished. The question then is simply this: Does the faith of the gospel abolish the law? If opponents would heed his decided negative to this question, they would cease to contend for the affirmative, and no longer try to make Paul contradict himself. R. F. C. We extract the following from a work entitled, ‘American Antiquities,’ a chapter of which is devoted to proving that the antediluvians were of greater stature than the people of the present day. ‘That the antediluvians were of great stature, is strongly supported by a remark of king Solomon’s, found in the Book of Wisdom, in the Apocrypha, 14th chapter, 6th verse, where he calls all the inhabitants of the earth who were destroyed by the deluge, ‘proud giants,’ whose history, by tradition, handed down from the family of Noah, through the lineage of Shem, was well known to that king, the wisest of men in his day and age. ‘And even after the flood, the great stature of men is supported in the Scriptures in several places, who were, for some generations, permitted to live several hundred years, and were all accordingly of great stature. Whole tribes or nations of gigantic inhabitants peopled the country of Canaan, before the Jews drove them out.’ p. 156. Charles von Rotteck, the celebrated German Historian, makes the following statement in regard to a popular fable: ‘Moses, who proclaimed so loudly the majesty of God, and inculcated so impressively his moral commands, has—and this is quite difficult to explain (?)—been silent upon the immortality of the soul. The zeal for this doctrine, which made its first appearance after the Babylonian captivity, was founded not upon Scripture, but merely upon tradition.’ Hist. of World, vol. i, p. 330. There should be a close connection between preaching and sunshine. Preaching, like the sunshine, should be clear and warm, and like the sun should reach all men. Report from Bro. Sanborn.
By Isaac Sanborn
BRO. WHITE : I left home the 19th of October, and came to Brodtville, Grant Co., Wis., to attend the discussion between Eld. Baughman, Methodist, and Bro. L. G. Bostwick, where they had previously held the discussion for three evenings, then Mr. Baughman adjourned it to the 23d of October, at which time, however, he did not appear, and the general decision of the people was, that he did not venture to renew the contest for fear of his case. There are now ten or eleven Sabbath-keepers at Brodtville. Two weeks ago I came here, just as Bro. Bostwick had closed a series of lectures of four weeks, having had large congregations, with good interest. On account of a heavy snow storm, the first week I came, I have preached but few times, and yet about fifteen have decided to keep the Sabbath, while others are deciding, and some are fighting against it, and the dragon carries on the war against the “remnant of the woman’s seed who keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Rev. xii, 17. As I find great interest in other neighborhoods, I expect to remain here several weeks longer. I hope to have the prayers of all the faithful, that God may establish many of the people here in the third angel’s message, that they may be sealed with his people, and stand at last with the Lamb on Mount Zion. Rev. xiv, 1. Tifton, Grant Co., Wis., Nov. 17, 1865. Meeting at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.
By A. A. Fairfield
BRO. WHITE: According to appointment Bro. Ingraham arrived here the 27th ult., but on account of the inclemency of the weather, had no meeting until Sabbath morning, when the few Sabbath-keepers in reach of meeting, and some of our neighbors, all hungry for the word of the Lord, listened to a discourse on faith and works, or living faith; showing that God's people have always been a working people; and we lament that we do not always have that "faith which works by love." Afternoon, listened to a discourse on Dan. xii, 10, clearly proving that this is indeed the time of the end. First-day morning, an attentive congregation listened to a discourse from Acts iii, 19. Afternoon, repaired to the water, where four youths, children of our brethren and friends, were buried with the Lord in baptism. It was a solemn and impressive sight, and was remarked by one that "it looked like a burial." Surely if the religious world did realize that Christ did die, and was really buried, and that the slain sinner is to be buried with their Lord in baptism, God would not be mocked with any substituted bogus baptism invented by the man of sin. Evening, met again, and listened to a discourse on the ministration of angels—their character and work, both of good and evil; and the interest manifested by them in the destiny of the human race, more particularly of the great interest manifested by the heavenly angels in the salvation of God's people, in which they seem to take more interest than man, the recipient. While a Lot would stand at the door and entreat and compromise with his wicked neighbors, the angels would pull him in and shut the door against them, and when he would linger in the doomed city, they would hurry him out ere the wrath of God was poured out upon it. So in the case of the patriarchs and worthies mentioned in the holy Scriptures, the angels assisted in important movements, or critical situations, in which they were placed. Surely God did care for and send his angels to assist his people in ancient times. Does he not have the same care for them now, and do not the angels have the same interest in our salvation as in theirs? Yes. Says Paul, "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" Heb. i, 14. Oh, that we could realize their presence, and aid them. Methinks we would be more watchful, and walk softly before the Lord, that they might not be grieved and turn away from us. Second-day, repaired to the water again, and witnessed the burial of an old lady in the liquid grave, from which she arose with joy in her heart, and praise on her lips. She had been a member of the M. E. Church over fifty years, enjoying a good conscience; but when the commandment came, sin revived and she died, and was baptized, having waited, with others some time for a fit opportunity to show her faith in the death, burial and resurrection of the Saviour. Evening, met again and heard a discourse on the saints' inheritance. Truly may those "rejoice always" that are Christ's; being "Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise." We feel that this has been a profitable meeting to the church, and to some of our neighbors who are investigating these truths. This church has no sympathy with any rebellious spirit, but feel to mourn and lament the unfaithfulness of those in whom we have had the utmost confidence. Our continual prayer is that they may see their errors, and wander no further from the Lord, but return ere it is too late, that God may have mercy on them. Pray for us, that we may stand firm, and live so that the light may shine out, and God be glorified in us and others that may be led to see the truth. Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Nov. 7, 1865. *“Serpents with their venomous stings,
Or bright angels, crowd around us.”* A WORD TO STUDENTS IN COLLEGES AND SEMINARIES.
UPON no class of persons does the habitual reading of this branch of our literature exert a more pernicious influence, than upon the young men connected with our colleges, and other institutions of learning. We have heard it asserted by those whose positions enable them to judge intelligently in this matter, that there is scarcely an instance on record, where a young man, who habitually and regularly peruses works of fiction during his undergraduate course, ever received that degree of mental discipline which is necessary for a successful entrance upon the great duties of life, and which it is the aim of a collegiate course to furnish. And, indeed, it is hard to conceive how the case should be otherwise, for, besides the enormous waste of time, which is a necessary consequence of any considerable indulgence in novel reading, the mind, accustomed to follow some sentimental hero or heroine through all sorts of silly, unheard-of adventures, and to revel amid scenes of fancied pleasure and happiness, takes little delight in attempting to grapple with the more profound truths of philosophy and mathematics, even when it is not wholly incapacitated to do so. It is a lamentable fact, that at least half of the young men who graduate each year at our colleges, hardly possess even the rudiments of a sound and substantial education. Many, after spending three or four years within the walls of a university, possess, in return for their time and money, little besides their "diploma," to which, certainly, in our day, no great importance can be attached: We hazard little in saying, that the evil in question may, to a very great extent, be traced to the "popular novels," which form so important an element in the composition of the student's libraries in many of our colleges. And so long as our young men are content to spend the precious moments, which ought to be devoted to the acquisition of substantial knowledge, and to fritter away the knowledge which God has given them, in poring over books worse than profitless, to the neglect of all that is useful and instructive, just so long are we to expect superficial thinkers, instead of profound thinkers; mere triflers instead of men.199 The indirect tendency of nine-tenths of the popular novels of the present day, is to inculcate false views of life, and to corrupt instead of cultivating the imagination. They weaken the judgment, the reasoning powers are unhinged, and all the perceptive faculties destroyed or greatly vitiated. More than this, all the generous affections of the heart, and all the nobler sensibilities of human nature, become blunted and seared, under their blighting and withering influence! The intellect is greatly injured, by their creating a distaste for nobler and more solid reading. Men do not like to go from the splendid palaces of kings—from the soft and lascivious saloons and drawing rooms of dukes and counts, into the common walks of life—no, they would rather luxuriate amid the splendid castles and enchanted scenes of the novel writer! It is truly painful to see in some reading-rooms, popular works of fiction, novels, and romances, and works positively infidel in their tendency. Such libraries and reading-rooms are a curse instead of a blessing to the community. Many a young man has been ruined for time and eternity, by this corrupting literature. No book or periodical, whatever its merits in other respects, which takes the name of God in vain, or uses it profanely or irreverently, which contains a profane oath, an impure or libidinous thought, or speaks lightly of the word of God, should ever be allowed in a family or reading-room. A parent ought never to allow a fascinating writer to say that behind the screen to the eye of a child, which he would not permit any one to breathe into the ear. Byron, Scott, Shakespeare, are more or less defiled by profane and impure allusions, dashes or exclamations, that offend the ear of modesty and virtue. What Christian father or mother would allow Shakespeare, if he were now alive, to associate with a blooming circle of sons and daughters, or read his plays, just as they now stand in the best editions? Is it possible for them to pass through the youthful mind and not leave a foul stain behind? Read the "Personal Recollections of Charlotte Elizabeth," and see how narrowly she escaped the loss of both body and soul, by poring over Shakespeare's corrupting fascinations. Says the Rev. O. B. Waters: "Shakespeare's morality seldom rises above the supreme selfishness of the heartless world, and often sinks into its grossest forms. He has exhibited ambition, avarice, revenge, jealousy, and all the groveling passions of the human soul, with all the skill of art, but where are those opposite graces of the spirit which alone can antidote their influence. “The tendency of nearly all his writings is to quicken into inordinate and morbid activity, that faculty which phrenologists term amativeness, already strong enough to need firm and wise restraint. No one can deny, moreover, that with all his excellencies, there is among his plays a great amount of senseless frivolity, unworthy of a thoughtful, earnest mind. “Besides, who has counted up the passages where he is positively vulgar, and covertly, or openly, licentious? Not a few there are, I am sure, that are most grossly so. What a sink of pollution, vulgarity and licentiousness, is, for instance, the Merry Wives of Windsor. While no one of his plays, even the best, can give you a model, and scarcely an instance, of those exalted and self-denying virtues, which spring only from a heart-felt sympathy with the spirit of the Bible. “His powerful and exciting delineations of love have without doubt, ruined many a soul. If these instances were recorded, where the works of Shakespeare have had an influence, either directly or indirectly, in exciting the passions to such an ungovernable strength, that men have been led into crime and misery, what an account would be placed to their score.”—D. F. Newton, Author of Home Thrusts. Faithfulness
By F. M. Bragg
In whatever we are called to do is very desirable. However humble the sphere in which we act, we should faithfully perform each successive duty, in its time and place, thus filling each our sphere. We find the principle invariably true, that, in proportion, as we are faithful in secular matters, so are we in those that are spiritual. Those who are thorough and prompt in the duties and obligations of this world, naturally are faithful to meet all their moral and spiritual responsibilities in the family and church relations. An enlightened judgment of the responsibilities devolving upon each member of the church, would fit each to faithfully perform their individual duties in such a manner as to meet the approbation of our heavenly Father. Truly if each were engaged in their individual work, the great enemy would be kept out and peace and harmony would prevail. Sister White in writing (a few years since) to the Oakland church, in referring to the words of Zeph. ii, 3: "Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, seek righteousness, seek meekness," says, "This is not to sinners, but to believers, those who have wrought his judgments in the earth." She says, "When Sabbath-keepers tend to this individual work, then sweet union will be in our midst." Shall we not faithfully set about this individual work? A very little impurity renders a dwelling unfit to receive our guest, so, is it with the heart. If an evil passion is cherished there, Christ and the Father cannot take up their abode until it first be renovated from all that is impure. Let us be faithful to get our hearts right, free from all the feeling, spirit, and practice that is not in perfect keeping with the commandments of God and the precepts of Jesus. Then will our hearts be a fit dwelling-place for the Holy Spirit. If each will engage heartily in this individual work, then God's faithful messengers will be free from the distracting, crushing burden of settling difficulties in the churches. Then they can go out free to carry the light of the present truth to those in darkness. The truth will spread, the third angel speed on his way, and many souls be fitted for immortality. May this be our happy experience as a people, and may we truly be "they that keep the commandments of God," and that have "the faith of Jesus." Cheerfulness Promotes Health
By Addison
Cheerfulness is the promoter of health. Repinings and murmurings of the heart, give imperceptible strokes to those delicate fibres of which the vital parts are composed, and wear out the machine. Cheerfulness is as friendly to the mind as to the body. It banishes all anxious care and discontent; soothes and composes the passions, and keeps the soul in a perpetual calm.—Addison. BEYOND life's fitful fever, Beyond life's troubled dream,
Beyond death's shadowy river, That dark and sullen stream;
Beyond this land of sighing, Where countless tears are shed,
Beyond the sick and dying, Beyond the mouldering dead; Beyond the days of mourning, Beyond the years of grief,
Beyond creation's groaning, And panting for relief;
Beyond the darkening shadows, Beyond the gloomy vale,
Beyond the scenes of trial, Where flesh and heart do fail; Beyond the spoiler's ruin, Beyond the tempter's wile,
Beyond the lion's roaring, Beyond the serpent's guile;
Beyond the fear of sinning, Beyond the chastening rod,
Beyond the thought of grieving, A kind and gracious God; Beyond the doubt and darkness, Beyond the realm of night,
Beyond the hopes uncertain, That mock with fitful light;
Beyond the transient greetings Where joy and sorrow thrill,
Beyond the fears of parting Which oft the spirit chill; Beyond the dreary mountain, Beyond the weary moor,
Beyond the emptied fountain, With disappointments sore;
Beyond the fiery desert, Beyond the furious foe,
Beyond the tedious pathway Along which pilgrims go; Beyond earth's desolation, and Satan's blighting power,
Beyond man's proud oppression, Beyond the tyrant's hour;
Beyond earth's fallen glory, Beyond earth's fleeting joy,
Beyond earth's sinful story, And mortals' vain employ; Beyond all real sorrow, Beyond all fancied woe,
Beyond all fearing morrow, Or grieving if it go;
Beyond all mortal yearnings, For love, and peace, and rest,
Beyond all earthly longings, For union with the blest; Beyond all human madness, Beyond all worldly strife,
Beyond all transient gladness, In blest, eternal life;
Beyond earth's weary burden, The cross, the scourge, the rod,
The saint shall rest in glory, The saint shall dwell with God; In brightness undecaying, In beauty fading not,
Oh, pilgrim, are you praying That this may be your lot?
[H. L. H. “Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.”
This department of the paper is designed for the brethren and sisters to freely and fully communicate with each other respecting their hopes and determinations, conflicts and victories, attainments and desires, in the heavenly journey. Seek first a living experience and then record it, carefully and prayerfully, for the comfort and encouragement of the other members of the household of faith. Bro. White: I desire to express my thanks to the people of God for the many words of encouragement and advice that they give through your excellent paper, the Review. Myself and husband are alone in this place in the Advent faith. At times when I have allowed myself to reflect upon our lonely situation, and the many trials that we encounter, I have felt a little cast down; but on the Review’s coming to hand, I would be sure to find a “word fitly spoken” in it, and then all gloom would depart, and I would return thanks to the Lord for the precious words with which he causeth his children to comfort one another. We have been keeping the seventh day for nearly three years, and I am truly thankful that we were led to examine this subject, for thereby we were not only led to obey the command of God, but to find out many other truths that we otherwise could not have received. We have no preaching here (according to our faith,) except what we get from your publications, but they are powerful and convincing. Oh, what a blessing they are to us lonely scattered ones. I crave an interest in your prayers, that we may be able to counteract the evil influence that is cast around our children, so that they also may be brought through to the kingdom. Pray for me that I may overcome. Yours seeking for immortality.
MARY F. MOON.
San Lorenzo, Cal., Oct. 2, 1865. Requests for Labor and Fellowship
SISTER Brewer of Maiden Rock, Wis., writes: I have been taking the Review eighteen months, and by reading the truths contained in that excellent sheet, three have commenced keeping the commandments, and two have subscribed for the Review. We feel very anxious to have a messenger come this way, and give a course of lectures, or preach, as there are some desiring baptism. Will some messenger, who may be nearest here, please answer, either through the Review or by letter? A. C. Thompson of Wilna, N. Y., says:
The truth never looked more precious to me than now; and it is still my prayer that my lot may yet be cast with the true people of God, when I can have the privilege of attending meeting. I often think of the lonely ones on the Sabbath, and wonder if they feel like me. I desire an interest in the prayers of God’s dear children. Love for the Review and Present Truth
By R. F. Phippeny
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: How it cheers my heart, after going through the toils and troubles of a week, to take up a new number of our excellent paper, and there find the rich thoughts and feelings of some "ready writer." No matter what the state of my feelings is before taking it up, there is always something that seems to be written especially for me. How I prize the Review, and how thankful I am to all that contribute to its columns. I thank God for the blessings of life, and I thank him for the hope of eternal life. Though I am poor in this world's goods, yet I would not exchange my hope of an inheritance in the kingdom of God, for all the treasures of this world. Though I may have to stem the tide of opposition alone, I will humbly crave sustaining grace from an All-wise Creator, knowing also that I have a dear Saviour pleading for me. I know that I am an erring creature, but, glory be to my great Redeemer! in him I have a place of refuge. Oh, how I love present truth! and how thankful I am that I ever heard the last warning message. I have often thought that though I was a professor of religion before I heard it, had it never reached me, I should long ere this been far back in the world and its follies, for the very reason that I would not be likely to stand, where there was no foundation to stand upon,—nothing but immateriality in the world to come. Where is the beauty or glory of such a doctrine? Give me the teachings of the word of God. That teaches us something far different—something that we can look forward to with anticipation of hope and joy; where all is a glorious reality. How I long for the joys of a better world. There may be trials of a stern nature awaiting us, but by the help of God I will be an overcomer. The little band of Sabbath-keepers at Ithaca are still striving for the victory. All is union and peace in the church, though I think it would do much good if we could have some messenger here soon, as there are many that need the word of life preached to them. Bro. and sister White, with the other invalids that left Battle Creek, were remembered on the appointed fast-day. Earnest petitions ascended to the throne of grace for their restoration to health again. May the blessing of God attend them, and may we soon hear of them in the field again, for truly the harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Yours, striving for a home in the earth made new. An Ex-Slave Reclaims His Son
An ex-slave applied the other day to a lawyer in Maryland for the restoration of his boy of sixteen, who had been legally apprenticed by his former master. In reply to the lawyer's question whether he was capable of taking care of the boy, the father said: "Well, massa, I rather tinks I'se capable as him; for, you see dat ole massa has done gone and hired the boy out fur fou' dollars a month and put de money in his pocket, and I spec's I's capable of dat kind of kere, any ways." All That is Needful.
By Mary J. Cottrell
“All that is needful, is to keep our own hearts right.” These were the words of a friend in speaking of the prevalence of crime in our land, and our unavoidable contact with unprincipled people; and they brought up a train of thought like this: Yes, all that is needful, is to keep our own hearts right, but this is a work not easily accomplished, a work which we are unable to do in our own strength. But there is one whose grace is sufficient, and he has said, “Ask, and ye shall receive.” This is a precious promise; and he is faithful to perform. May we ever feel the need of asking. We are too apt to forget our need, too apt to trust to our own strength, to stop and dally with the tempter, when we should flee to Jesus and plead for strength and wisdom. And this is just what pleases Satan. If he can get us to trust in our own strength, he knows that he is sure of the victory. He is willing then that we should be Christians in name, he does not come to us with some great temptation by which to draw us from the narrow way; but instead, he will whisper, you are safe, you need not go to your closet just now, and thus try to flatter us, and make us think we have no need to ask. He well knows that if we do not ask we will not receive. Oh, let us pray earnestly for a deep sense of our need to ask.